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Print 1: Layer 1: Matt & Alex Reveal Their FIRST 3D Printers & 3D Printing Origin Stories

Layered Insights | A 3D Printing Podcast

Release Date: 09/07/2025

Alex and Matt discuss their experiences with 3D printing, highlighting their backgrounds and current roles. Alex, who has been 3D printing for seven years, runs AG3D Printing, a service focusing on part success and storytelling. Matt, with six years of experience, recently went full-time with his own company, Niche 3D, to help companies adopt 3D printing.

They share their first printers—Alex's Rigidbot Big and Matt's Prusa MK2S—and the challenges and lessons learned from them. Both emphasize the importance of hands-on experience and the evolving capabilities of 3D printing technology, including its potential to revolutionize manufacturing and reduce waste and emissions.

Links:

Alexander G. Orphanos | AG3D Labs: ag3d-printing.com

Matthew Guy | Niche 3D LLC: Niche3D.io 

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Layered Insights Pilot Episode
00:42 Alex of AG3D's Origin Story in 3D Printing
01:39 Matt of Niche 3D's Origin Story in 3D Printing
03:34 Matt's first year with Niche 3D Full Time - How it's Going
04:52 When you Love 3D Printing at Work & at Home...
05:58 Our FIRST 3D Printers & Early Experiences
12:04 Transitioning a Hobby to Professional 3D Printing
13:08 Challenges and Opportunities in the 3D Printing Industry
14:04 The 'MakerBot' Era and the Early Days of 'everyone's first 3D Printer'
18:35 The Age Before Ample Amazon 3D Printing Supplies & Spare Parts...
20:04 Alex Storytime: How I learned about manufacturing & $ from Ed the Toolmaker
21:22 Low vs. High Volume Part Production: 3D Printing vs. Injection Molding & more
22:11 There are STILL so many people who haven't learned about 3D printing or its potential
27:10 Our Shared Mission for Making 3D Printing Accessible to Everyone
29:40 Q: "What is the total number of printers that you have currently?"
30:17 How to Follow, Support, and Work With Matt & Alex